How do car brakes work?

The brakes on your car utilise fluid pressure.
When the brake pedal is depressed, it activates a plunger in the master cylinder,
which pressurises the brake fluid in the pipes and hoses causing the brake components to move.
A brake system which has leaks or air bubbles will not operate correctly, or not at all,
so regular inspections are very important.

Brake repairs are one of the most common reasons to visit a garage;
all cars need their brake discs and pads replaced at regular intervals. Some of the warning signs
for brake failure are squealing or grinding noises when depressing the brakes, or the brake feeling
'spongy' when the pedals is pressed. And of course if you need to brake increasingly hard to effectively
slow or stop your car, then you could well be looking at brake replacement.

There are two main types of brake systems: disc brakes and drum brakes.

Disc brake systems are comprised of two pads per wheel,
which clamp down on the brake disc when the brake pedal is depressed.
When the fluid becomes pressurised, it sends a plunger in the calliper forward,
forcing the brake pads on either side of the brake disc to squeeze it,
which results in the slowing and stopping of the car.

Drum brakes operate in the same way as disc brakes, but with a different design.
They both use friction to slow and stop the car, but drum brakes use shoes, instead of pads.
The shoes are inside the steel brake drum itself, which spins with the wheel.
When brake pressure is applied, a component called the wheel cylinder expands,
forcing the brake shoes apart and towards the inside edge of the drum.
Drum brakes are usually found on older vehicles, or just on the rear brake system.

About Rover

Rover is a dormant British car marque which designed and built vehicles between 1904 and 2005. Originally a bicycle manufacturer, Rover was a respected brand that produced classics like the P4, P5, P6, the SD1 and 75, as well as the Rover Metro. Rover went into administration in 2005, although the brand heritage lives on in Range Rover and MG.

About the Rover Metro

These cars launched in 1990 and were extremely popular. From 1994 to 1998 they were rebranded as the Rover 100, and they’re a common used car choice across the UK. The Metro is fun to drive and well put together, although some drivers have reported problems with rust around the A frame, issues with the alternator and oil leaks.

How to be a better driver

Whether you’re driving in Grimsby or further afield, think about road user etiquette. Showing respect for other road users
makes driving more pleasant for you and safer for everyone. For example, if you have to make a last minute change of lane, make
your request to change clear to the driver who will need to let you in - and signal your thanks if they do. Be ready to abandon
the change of lane if they won’t play ball - your safety (and that of other drivers and pedestrians) is more important than
getting to your destination in the shortest time possible. When the position is reversed and a driver asks your permission to
change lanes, allow them to as long as it is safe. If you get frustrated, avoid using your horn - it won’t improve matters and
might make them considerably worse.